To want a cleaner?

[happyhopefulmummy]

My DH and I have a 10 month old baby. At the moment, during the week I try and stay on top of housework as much as possible and cook dinner every day. I am
Not going back to work (nursery fees made this a no brainer).

My DH is a great help and often cleans up the kitchen each night: our house is relatively tidy, but I don't feel its clean. This is going to sound awful, but baby's room hasn't been dusted since he was born. AIBU to suggest we get a cleaner for 2 hours a week to help us keep on top of things?

We used to have a cleaner but as soon as i fell pregnant we stopped her so as to save money. My DH doesn't earn a great income (£22,000) but we are in the fortunate position of owning our house with no mortgage. At the monent we spend a large chunk of the weekend cleaning, and i feel we could be putting in quality Family Time. DH says he doesn't mind doing this on the weekend. I feel that as our baby gets older this will prove harder and also not really fair on him; he should have some quality time with his parents, esp as during the week he'll often watch me tidy.

I was going to talk to him about it tonight so would appreciate some thoughts, and perhaps suggestions to boost my argument if I'm not being U!

But sensual they aren't "excuses" are they? They are reasons why the OP feels that it would be beneficial to employ someone else to do it instead so she can focus on other things. I'm sure if I had the will I could keep my flat in an acceptable state, but the fact is I don't. Housework is one of those things that for some people is as an integral part of the day as cleaning your teeth, but for others it's just one more thing to fit it and to beat yourself up about when you look at your mucky bath tub and wonder when you'll actually have time to devote to cleaning it properly.

It's one of those subjects that always causes a big divide on MN, but those that are implying that the OP is in some way doing things wrong or is not pulling her weight are being rather unfair!

Agree greyhairsahead. Housework is not a competition and there are no prizes for being a martyr or the best Mrs Mop.

Not saying there is but why ask - just get one.

Get a cleaner. I hate that women have so much problem with this. You have a baby! That's fantastic. Enjoy your baby - sleep when you get the chance - pay someone to clean the bathroom/hoover the stairs. You will be a better mum and a worse housewife - what's the problem.

My MIL always boasts about how she shut the two boys upstairs (with a gate thing) and left them to play. It 'allowed' her to get on with the cleaning.

The thing is, I'd rather be playing with the boys.

"I managed it fine first time round with severe PND and a colicky baby, and am currently bfing a 7 month old and have a 3 year old, have PND again with a DP who works shifts and manage it perfectly fine and still have oodles of time to sit on my arse and relax"

Hairylemon wins the competitive martyrdom prize on this thread with sensuallectuce in second place.

OP - get a cleaner and enjoy your baby

Poor no trace of martydom in my post at all, just sharing my experience with OP.

I did say if OP wants to get a cleaner then she should just get one, but not use daft excuses to justify it, she doesnt need to.

Hairylemon - you do know that a really tidy house is one of the things HVs are trained to look for with new mothers, as it can be an indication of PND?

Anyway, I'm sorry you're going through it (again) and hope you are getting some help & support.

I dont understand your post Triff but yes Im doing fine now thanks, ADs are keeping me on track.